Best known for its elegant and innovative vintage lighting fixtures, the Milan-based firm Fontana Arte pioneered one of the key features of 20th-century and contemporary Italian design: the union of artistry and industry wrought by partnerships between creative talents — chiefly architects — and entrepreneurial businesses. Fontana Arte is further distinguished by having had as artistic director, in succession, four of Italy’s most inventive modernist designers: Gio Ponti, Pietro Chiesa, French transplant Max Ingrand and Gae Aulenti.
The bread and butter of the glassmaking company that Luigi Fontana founded in 1881 was plate-glass panels for the construction industry. In 1930, Fontana met Ponti — then the artistic director of the Richard Ginori ceramics workshop and the editor of the influential magazine Domus — at a biannual design exhibition that became the precursor to today’s Milan Design Triennale, and the two hatched an idea for a furniture and housewares firm. Fontana Arte was incorporated in 1932 with Ponti as its chief of design. He contributed several lamps that remain among the company’s signature works, including the orb-atop-cone Bilia table lamp and the 0024 pendant — a stratified hanging sphere.
The following year, Fontana Arte partnered with the influential Milan studio glassmaker and retailer Pietro Chiesa, who took over as artistic director. Chiesa’s designs for lighting — as well as for tables and items including vases and ashtrays — express an appreciation for fluidity and simplicity of line, as seen in works such as his flute-shaped Luminator floor lamp and the 1932 Fontana table — an arched sheet of glass that is held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Six years after Chiesa’s 1948 death, the École des Beaux Arts–trained Max Ingrand took over as head of design at Fontana Arte. Ingrand brought a similarly expressive formal sensibility to wares such as lamps and mirrors, but he also had a masterful eye for the manipulation of glass surfaces — whether they be cut, frosted, acid-etched or sand-blasted. His classic design is the Fontana table lamp of 1954, which has a truncated cone shade and curved body, both of which are made of pure, chic white-frosted glass.
Following Ingrand, the often-audacious Italian architect Gae Aulenti served as the company’s artistic director from 1979 to 1996, and while she generally insisted that furnishings take second place aesthetically to architecture, she made an exception for Fontana Arte pieces such as the Tavolo con Ruote series of glass coffee and dining tables on wheels, bold lighting pieces such as the Parola series and the Giova, a combination flower vase and table lamp. As a key incubator of modern design under Aulenti’s tenure, Fontana Arte remained true to its long-held commitment — creating objects that have never been less than daring.
Find vintage Fontana Arte lighting fixtures such as pendants, table lamps and more on 1stDibs.
Fontana Arte, Modernist Curved Blue Glass and Brass Fire Place Screen, Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice curved fire place screen is made of a brass base and a blue curved glass screen. This is a work by famous Italian Designer Fontana Arte, circa 1970.
Brass
Fontana Arte Flute Torchiere Floor Lamp Designed by Franco Raggi
By Fontana Arte
Located in Dallas, TX
Flute floor lamp by Franco Raggi for Fontana Arte of Italy. This light features a Chrome plated base and mounting structure and a reflector in chrome...
Chrome
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte Fontana Total Black Table Lamp in Glass, 2014 Edition
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed by Max Ingrand and manufactured by Fontana Arte, the Fontana total black table lamp, 2014 Edition, is an unusual Total Black produced in 2014 to mark the 60th anniversary of...
Metal
Italian mid-century modern table lamp 1959 Max Ingrand Fontana Arte 1950s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern brass, glass and black metal table lamp 1959 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1950s Table lamp model 1959 with round brass and glass lamp shade. The frame ...
Metal, Brass
$324Sale Price|64% Off
Fontana Arte tray with mirrored edges and mid-century brass.
By Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
This refined tray embodies the sophisticated aesthetic and attention to detail that made Fontana Arte's design famous in the 1960s. With its clean lines and harmonious combination of...
Brass
20th Century Fontana Arte Coffee Table Model 2461 in Wood and Glass
By Fontana Arte
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Low table or coffee table model number 2461 designed by Fontana Arte in 1960s. The table has a very modern and particular structure totally in wood, where the main theme is the celeb...
Glass, Wood
$15,000 / item
Max Ingrand “1844” Sconce for Fontana Arte, 1960
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Max Ingrand “1844” sconce for Fontana Arte, brass and glass, Italy, 1960 Designed in 1960, the “1844” sconce is built around contrast: strict structure against an intentionally irre...
Brass
Mirrored Crystal Glass Coffee Table by Fontana Arte, Italy, 1960 ca
By Fontana Arte
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Coffee table with a polished wood base and grey mirrored crystal glass top designed by Fontana Arte, Italy, 1960 ca. The table present four cylindric legs with brass detail in the e...
Crystal
Round Mirror by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fontana Arte pale transparent shallow concave dish mirror designed by Max Ingrand. A round wall mirror by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy. This model '1669' mirror from the 1960...
Brass
Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte, Mid-Century Modern, Large Ashtray, Cut Crystal, 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Stamford, CT
Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte, Mid-Century Modern, Ashtray or Decorative Bowl/Platter, Cut Crystal, 1960s Max Ingrand's 1960s cut crystal ashtray, designed for Fontana Arte, exemplifies...
Crystal
Max Ingrand Round Orange Smoke Wall Mirror Fontana Arte Model 1699, Italy 1958
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
Max Ingrand round orange-smokey mirror for Fontana Arte, Milan Model 1699, Italy Mid-century; labelled at the reverse of the mirror (date of production) We have an identical model 16...
Brass
Pair of Pietro Chiesa Fontana Arte Italian Modern Brass & Glass Wall Lights
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of midcentury Italian Modern brass and glass wall lights / sconces (Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte) (PRICED AS PAIR).
Brass
1970s Italian Round Wall Mirror with a Dark Leather-Covered Frame by Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte
Located in Vigonza, Padua
An elegant Italian round wall mirror from the 1970s, manufactured by Fontanit and still bearing its original triangular paper label on the back. The mirror features a distinctly cir...
Leather
1940's Large Satin Glass Pendant Attributed to Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Art
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Schoorl, NL
This elegant, surprisingly large pendant light consisting of a brass frame and one unique large glass reflector. In the center 6 electrical E14 polychromed metal sockets and a brass stem. Please note, we have multiple ‘saucer’- lighting in stock.
Glass
Pair Fontana Arte Flute Glass & Chrome Wall Sconces by Arredo Naskaloris Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Miami, FL
Minimalist Pair of glass and chrome Fontana Arte flute sconces, wall lights designed by Arredo Naskaloris. Model # 3314 flute marked at the back pla...
Chrome, Metal
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte pair of two Patinated Brass table lamps Italy 1956
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Almelo, NL
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte pair of two patinated Brass table lamps Italy 1956. Max Ingrand designed a pair of exceptional table lamps for Fontana Arte in Italy in 1956. These lamps have a stunning hourglass-shaped base made of patinated brass with an abstract finial...
Brass
$1,630 / set
Candle holders Pietro Chiesa
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in London, GB
Pair of candle holders by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte c1940s
Brass
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Rare Pair of Large Wall Lights Model 1598
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in New York, NY
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte rare and extraordinary pair of large wall lights or sconces model 1598 in thick curved beveled polished glass diffusers with five chiseled-cut glass mid-...
Aluminum, Brass
Luigi Fontana Madonna and Child In Glass Wall Decoration.
By Fontana Arte, Luigi Fontana
Located in Milan, IT
Luigi Fontana: Madonna and Child in Gold-Backed Lacquered Glass Wall Decoration.
Brass
Teso Glass Bookcase Designed by Renzo Piano in 1985 for Fontana Arte
By Renzo Piano, Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Renzo Piano made his design debut with a coordinated line of furnishing systems for Fontana Arte, using only one material: glass, symbol of the company’s production history. Dimensio...
Glass
Glass and brass chandelier 2296 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1950s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in MIlano, IT
Glass and brass chandelier 2296 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1950s Ceiling lamp model 2296 oblong, in frosted, transparent and colored glass with brass frames composed of eightee...
Brass
Flower-Shaped Wall Mirror by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, circa. 1960
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in New York City, NY
Wall mirror by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, circa. 1960. This striking, flower-shaped wall mirror designed by Max Ingrand features curved pink petals and beautifully patin...
Mirror
Pietro Chiesa, Brass & Glass Table Lamp for Fontana Arte , Italy (Old Edition)
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare and beautiful table lamp in thick glass and brass, designed by the famous Italian designer Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte around 1940. This is a lamp of great elegance, which s...
Brass
Pietro Chiesa (1876-1959), Wall console with integrated planter in brass.
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Pietro Chiesa (1876-1959), Wall console with integrated planter in brass and perforated metal for Fontana Arte, glass slab top with cutout for the planter at the back, frames formed ...
Metal, Brass
Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte Prod. Italy 1950 alzata in cristallo colorato.
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
Max Ingrand, alzata in cristallo colorato, curvato e molato con base in metallo. prod. Fontana Arte, Italia, 1950 ca. cm 50x22 . Centrotavola mid-centurymodern. Maggiori informazioni...
Crystal
Pair Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Model 2211 pendants Italy c1960
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in London, GB
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Model 221 pendant lights Dark grey glass encloses a white glass cylinder for diffused light. The drop is currently at 100cm but can easily be adjusted...
Brass
$2,400Sale Price|58% Off
Italian Design Pendant by Fontana Arte Model 2492 Ca 1960
By Fontana Arte
Located in Encinitas, CA
Pendant by Fontana Arte model 2492 design: Fontana Arte. A white matte lacquered aluminium dome mounted with a chrome trim plated section. Opaline original glass shield. Excellent...
Chrome, Aluminum
Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Ceiling Lamp, Italy 1940s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Ceiling Lamp, Italy 1940s
Brass, Chrome
$1,670Sale Price|20% Off
Fontana Arte Playing Cards Box in Cerused Oak and Glass, Italy 1940s
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Milan, IT
Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Playing Cards Box in Cerused Oak and Glass, Italy 1940s The Handle depicts two cannons, and the box inside is divided into three compartments to hold p...
Glass, Oak
Max Ingrand Minimalistic Two Tier Coffee Table for Fontana Arte, Italy 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Max Ingrand Minimalistic Two-Tier Coffee Table with Blue And Clear Glass Tops Model 2147 Fontana Arte, Italy 1960s Reference: Quaderni Fontana Arte No. 6 p. 131
Metal
$5,334Sale Price|48% Off
Gio Ponti & Pietro Chiesa, Unique Cigars Box, Fontana Arte, Italy, 1930
By Fontana Arte, Gio Ponti, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Firenze, IT
Unique piece. “Grissinato” turned wood box with decorated blue crystal, blue corrugated crystal lid, hand-decorated. “Pipe smoking man” decoration. Designed by masters Gio Ponti &...
Crystal, Brass
Large 'Pinecone' Suspension Lamp in Opaline Glass & Chrome for Fontana Arte
By Paola Navone, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large 'Pinecone' suspension lamp in opaline glass & chrome for Fontana Arte. Designed by Paola Navone, the diffuser is expertly handcrafted using the ancient caged-blown glass techn...
Steel, Chrome, Metal
Fontana Glass Table Designed by Pietro Chiesa in 1932 for Fontana Arte
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed by Pietro Chiesa, it was an extraordinary piece of essentiality and elegance. This coffee table is made from a double curved single piece of thick glass (15 mm). Available i...
Glass
Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Rare Chandelier, 1940s
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte model 1239 elegant chandelier or suspension ceiling light with large curved polished crystal glass disc atop frosted glass diffuser with central brass or...
Brass
Italian Midcentury Attr to Pietro Chiesa Fontana Art Deco Gilt Chandelier c1950
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Coimbra, PT
This Mid-Century Modern chandelier from the 1950s is attributed to Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. This original Elongated large it is flanked by two etched glass on each side. The s...
Brass
Max Ingrand 1636 pendant lamp Fontana Arte Italy 1960
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This exquisite pendant lamp, model 1636, designed by the legendary Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte in 1960, is a rare and refined piece that reflects the pinnacle of Italian lighting de...
Brass
Fontana Arte “Bis-Tris” Table Lamp, Italy 1950
By Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic “Bis-Tris” table lamp by Fontana Arte, showcasing a refined Italian modernist design with its signature double-dome silhouette. The lamp features a glossy black upper shade pa...
Metal
FONTANA ARTE ZOdIAC CHANDELIER GLASS METAL CROME 1950 ITALY
By Fontana Arte
Located in Milano, IT
AMAZING DISK LAMPLIGHT WITH INCISED ZODIAC SIGNS AND CHROME METAL STRUCTURE BY FONTANA ARTE OF 1950.ITALY. in excellent state i preservation.
Glass
Fontana Medium Glass Table Lamp Designed by Max Ingrand in 1954 for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An evergreen, timeless design icon, this is the lampshade par excellence. A fabulous lamp in frosted white blown glass, an example of the art of master glassmakers, it pays tribute ...
Metal
Equatore SmallTable Lamp Designed by Gabriele & Oscar Buratti for Fontana Arte
By Oscar e Gabriele Buratti, Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Equatore" is a small table lamp, designed by Gabriele & Oscar Buratti and manufactured by Fontana Arte, made in glass and metal and is part of a collection including table, floor an...
Metal
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Italian Nine Facets Glass Dish, circa 1950
By Fontana Arte
Located in Chicago, IL
Max Ingrand designed for Fontana Arte Faceted Italian glass dish Vide Poche. Fontana Arte faceted Italian glass dish in very thick iconic Fontana Arte green glass...
Glass
Mirror "1669" by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in bruxelles, BE
Italian glass mirror by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. Model: 1669 Wear due to age and time. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Brass
Max Ingrand 1995 hanging lamp Fontana Arte 1960
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Presenting a beautiful pendant lamp, model 1995, designed by the illustrious Max Ingrand and manufactured by Fontana Arte, Italy in 1960. This exquisite piece exudes a stylish and cl...
Brass
GIO PONTI - FONTANA ARTE - Mirror with brass frame - Made in ITALY 1950s
By Fontana Arte, Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Clean and elegant line this mirror matchable with all types of furniture , is original from the 50s. The brass frame is perfect and has the patina of time, but if the customer prefer...
Brass
Fontana Arte Pendant Light, Model 2406, Sandblasted Glass, Brass
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fontana Arte Pendant, mod. 2406, Italy, c. 1960 Sandblasted glass, Enamel, Brass Measures: Height 12 diameter 8 in. (Drop 34”- can be adjusted).
Metal, Copper, Brass
“Flute” Medium Floor Lamp by Franco Raggi for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1999
By Fontana Arte, Franco Raggi
Located in Brescia, Brescia
refined expression of equilibrium and lightness, the Flute floor lamp — designed by Franco Raggi and produced by Fontana Arte in 1999 — is an elegant study in indirect illumination ...
Metal, Aluminum, Chrome
Patinated Brass Mirror, c.1950s attributed to Cristal Art
By Fontana Arte
Located in Watford, GB
A curvaceous mirror by Fontana Arte in patinated brass, c.1950s. Dimensions: H 40 x W 32 x D 3 cm Material: Mirrored Glass and Brass Condition: Very Good
Brass
Large Table or Floor Lamp by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This large table or floor lamp, model 1853/1, was designed by Max Ingrand in 1954 for Fontana Arte. This fabulous lamp is made of frosted white blown glass. The lamp has a triple sw...
Glass
Max Ingrand per Fontana Arte Lampada da Terra Mod.2482, Italia 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Naples, IT
Lampada da terra modello 2482, il cui disegno è conservato nell'Archivio Storico Fontana Arte, prodotta da Fontana Arte nel 1954. Base in metallo laccato bianco, paralume in vetro so...
Metal
Large 'Pinecone' Suspension Lamp in Transparent Glass & Gold for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Paola Navone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large 'Pinecone' suspension lamp in transparent glass & gold for Fontana Arte. Designed by Paola Navone, the diffuser is expertly handcrafted using the ancient caged-blown glass tec...
Metal
Pair of Sculptural Glass and Brass Candleholders by Fontana Arte, Italy, 1970s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Offered is an exceptional pair of sculptural glass and gold-plated candleholders by renowned Italian design house Fontana Arte, circa 1970s. Exemplifying the brand's refined use of g...
Gold Plate, Brass
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Green Glass Pen Holder by Fontana Arte, 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Green glass base with the black Bakelite and bras pen holder.
Glass
Mid-Century Brass Dome Pendant Light, Model 2409 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant brass dome pendant, Model 2409, is a masterful example of Mid-Century Modern Italian lighting design, created by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. As the artistic director of Fontana Arte from 1954 to 1967, Ingrand was a pivotal figure in modern glass and lighting design, renowned for his ability to merge sculptural form with functional light diffusion. His work defined an era of high-end Italian craftsmanship, establishing Fontana Arte as one of the most influential glass and lighting manufacturers of the 20th century. The polished brass dome...
Brass
Pair 1960s Max Ingrand Fontana Arte ‘Micro’ Sconces Model 2240
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 1960s Max Ingrand Fontana Arte ‘Micro’ sconces Model 2240 composed of thick profiled beveled aquamarine glass, acid-etched central diffuser with brass frame and fittings.
Brass
Rare Table Lamp by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Table Lamp by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1940's. Aluminum, crystal, brass enameled aluminum. Original EU cord. We recommend three ...
Crystal, Aluminum, Brass
Dube 'Duilio Barnabe' Coffe Table for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950's
By Fontana Arte, Duilio Dubé Bernabe
Located in New York, NY
Dube for Fontana Arte. Duilio Barnabe (1914-1961) A stunning Fontana Arte coffee table, with chiseled edge back painted glass top by Duilio Barnabe in ri...
Art Glass
Elegant Pendant Light attributed to Fontana Arte, 1960s.
By Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, PA
An elegant pendant light attributed to Fontana Arte, 1960s. Beautiful thick transparent/green art glass set on a chrome base. It contains a single socket E27. Very good vintage cond...
Chrome
Pietro Chiesa Etched Glass Mirror by Fontana Arte, Italy, 1940
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in New York, NY
A Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte etched glass mirror in a stunning aqua color. The scalloped shaped form is segmented with etched glass motif and decorated with crystal rosettes. The inner oval mirror plate is surrounded by a braided brass molded decoration with the outer molding also in brass, supported by a carved wood backing. All original. Designed by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, circa 1940 Size: 27 1/2" high x 22" wide x 1" deep Pietro Chiesa (born 1892, Milan–died 1948...
Glass, Wood
$7,542 / item
Max Ingrand 1990 flush mount Fontana Arte Italy 1960
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A rare and highly collectible example of Italian mid-century lighting, this model 1990 flush mount ceiling lamp was designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte and produced in Italy cir...
Aluminum, Brass
Max Inrgand for Fontana Arte Rare Chandelier Model 2338
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in New York, NY
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte rare chandelier or ceiling light model 2338 with five polished teardrop shaped double glass shades with partial sand-blasted centers suspended by brass s...
Brass